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News Archive


9/7/2025
New Google partnership will help rid taxpayer of ‘ball and chain' legacy tech and aim to upskill 100,000 civil servants in tech and AI
New partnership with Google Cloud will help modernise outdated government IT, upskill 100,000 civil servants in digital and AI by 2030, and secure better tech deals for the taxpayer.   New partnership sees Google Cloud agree to work with the UK government in helping public services use advanced tech to shake off decades old ‘ball and chain' legacy contracts which leave essential services vulnerable to cyberattack.  
9/7/2025
How private pensions are failing us all - and what to fixThumbnail for article : How private pensions are failing us all - and what to fix
Most people don't understand how pensions really work.  Not politicians, not City insiders, and probably not you.  
9/7/2025
Deloitte CFO Survey: UK rises up the list of attractiveness for investment
Deloitte's latest survey of UK Chief Financial Officers shows that finance leaders see the UK as the most attractive destination when it comes to investment, alongside India, with a net1 13% describing it as very or somewhat attractive.   The survey - which took place between 16th and 29th June - is a contrast from the fourth quarter survey of 2024, when the UK came in sixth place, behind the US, India, the Middle East, emerging Europe and Japan.  
9/7/2025
UK secures £7.5 billion Japanese investment in key growth sectorsThumbnail for article : UK secures £7.5 billion Japanese investment in key growth sectors
The government has unlocked £7.5 billion of investment into key growth sectors as the Minister for Investment signed a new deal with the Sumitomo Corporation in Tokyo.   Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson is in Tokyo to sign new partnership with top Japanese trading company Sumitomo Corporation.  
9/7/2025
Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report
The Business and Trade Secretary and the Post Office Minister have issued statements in response to the publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry's report.   Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said, "The publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry's report today by Sir Wyn and his team marks an important milestone for subpostmasters and their families.  
9/7/2025
New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolutionThumbnail for article : New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution
New study shows 87% of coalfield boreholes succeed, busting myths around drilling risks and boosting confidence in mine water heat for green energy.   A new study from the Mining Remediation Authority busts myths around the risks of drilling into abandoned coal mines for mine water heat schemes.  
9/7/2025
Russia's illegal war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on children: UK statement to the OSCE
Deputy Ambassador James Ford condemns the grave violations Russian armed forces and authorities have committed against children in Ukraine, including through attacks on schools and hospitals.   Thank you, Madam Chair.  
9/7/2025
Expanding care for patients at home - Improving the flow of patients through hospitals
A new £85 million investment will be targeted at front line NHS frailty services, helping to improve the flow of patients throughout hospitals and providing care for patients in the comfort of their own homes.   The ‘Hospital at Home' service is to be expanded to 2,000 beds by December 2026.  
9/7/2025
UK Government Advice for women travelling abroad - But Useful For Everyone
Advice for women travelling and living abroad, including organisations that can help.   Although the title aims at women it is useful for everyone to be aware of the dangers when travelling abroad and to do your advance research of places before you go.  
9/7/2025
UK Still Fighting In Syria and Iraq - Update: air strikes against Daesh
Royal Air Force aircraft continue to conduct armed reconnaissance patrols over Syria to counter Daesh terrorism threats, ready to strike such targets should they be identified.   On Tuesday 10 June, the crew of a Royal Air Force Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, armed with Hellfire missiles, identified a known Daesh terrorist riding a motorcycle in the area of Sarmada, in north-western Syria.  
Salmon farm company to convert waste to useable product
A project to recycle waste at an aquaculture hatchery in Wester Ross has secured up to £630,290 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   Bakkafrost Scotland limited is leading the project, which has a total investment value of more than £2.5m.  
8/7/2025
England Gets Green light for over 50 road and rail upgrades supporting over 39,000 new homes and 42,000 jobsThumbnail for article : England Gets Green light for over 50 road and rail upgrades supporting over 39,000 new homes and 42,000 jobs
Commuters and businesses to benefit from quicker journeys as more than 50 road and rail upgrades are agreed.   5 strategic road schemes and 5 key rail upgrades given government funding - supporting 42,000 jobs.  
Renewable energy firm ENERCON welcomed to Wick Business Park
Wick Business Park has welcomed wind energy technology company ENERCON as the first occupant of one of four new units completed last year.   ENERCON specialises in designing, producing, installing and servicing onshore wind turbines and has been operating in the Caithness area since 2013.  
8/7/2025
Charities supporting three times as many people with essential aid, research finds, as sector faces increased financial pressure
The Charity Commission has published its annual public and trustee research, revealing a stark long-term rise in people seeking charitable support amid continued high levels of public trust in charities.   The Commission's annual survey of public attitudes to charities reveals that in the last year 9% of people received food, medical or financial support from charitable organisations, compared to just 3% five years ago.  
8/7/2025
Latest Royal Bank Growth Report Shows A Mixed Picture
The latest Royal Bank of Scotland UK Regional Growth Tracker shows a mixed picture of economic momentum across the country as of July 2025: Regional Highlights London and the North East continue to lead growth, with business activity indices above 50, signaling expansion.   Wales and the South West also posted modest gains.  
8/7/2025
National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September
The UK Government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones across the UK at around 15:00 on 7th September 2025.   Emergency Alert to be sent to mobile phones across the UK in the second ever national test of the system.  
8/7/2025
HMRC's New Tax Rules Will Catch You Out (Be Ready!)Thumbnail for article : HMRC's New Tax Rules Will Catch You Out (Be Ready!)
HMRC's new tax rules are rolling out.  And, if you're self-employed or a landlord, you will be affected.  
8/7/2025
What changes to payment of BBC licence fee are being considered?
The BBC licence fee is under serious review, and several changes are being considered to make it more sustainable and fair: Progressive Payment Model Instead of a flat fee (£174.50 per year from April 2025), the government is exploring a sliding scale: Wealthier households might pay more.   Lower-income or vulnerable groups could pay less or be exempt.  
8/7/2025
Aberdeen University Still In Financial Trouble
The University of Aberdeen is implementing further job cuts as part of a cost-saving plan to address a £5.5 million budget gap.  This follows previous measures like voluntary redundancies, recruitment freezes, and paused promotions.  
8/7/2025
Landlords giving up on having tenants and going into serviced property and why
Landlords are increasingly moving away from traditional tenancies and converting their properties into professionally managed, short-term lets on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.   This shift lets them tap into dynamic pricing models and hands-off management teams, transforming long-term rental homes into higher-yield serviced accommodation.